Mechanical apparatus and method for artificial disc replacement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The expansile loop can use an attachment means to secure it to substantially healthy tissues of the annulus, nucleus, or endplates. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus.

1 . A method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc, comprising the steps of: 
 creating an access opening in a disc between the adjacent vertebrae;    removing at least a portion of a nucleus within said disc which results in forming a cavity surround by an annulus of said disc;    advancing into said cavity an expandable mesh with a control element apparatus;    expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of a inside surface of said annulus creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an autologous configuration; said expandable mesh having an inner chamber and an inner central hole;    delivering and injecting said chamber with a first biocompatible material resulting in a substantially filled expandable mesh, and    delivering and injecting said inner central hole with a second biocompatible material resulting in a substantially filled central hole.    
   
   
       2 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       3 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       5 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       6 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O).  
   
   
       7 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HPO 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 .3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 :SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       9 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       10 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       11 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       12 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       13 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O).  
   
   
       14 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HPO 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 :SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       15 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       16 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to promote spinal fixation between two adjacent vertebral bodies.  
   
   
       17 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said spinal disc device is deformable to conform to an interior region of a vertebral disc.  
   
   
       18 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to inject a volume of biocompatible material into said inner central area of said expandable mesh until a desired disc height is achieved.  
   
   
       19 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to inject a volume of biocompatible material into said inner central area of said expandable mesh until a desired disc pressure is achieved.  
   
   
       20 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , after the step of expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of a inside surface of said annulus creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an autologous configuration; said expandable mesh having an inner chamber and an inner central hole; further comprising: 
 contracting said control element whereby said inner central hole attains a desired diameter.    
   
   
       22 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , after the step of delivering and injecting said second biocompatible material; further comprising: 
 securing said control element with a locking mechanism to maintain the integrity of said substantially filled central hole within said diseased vertebral disc.    
   
   
       23 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 1 , whereby said substantially filled central hole results in a circular concavo-concave configuration.  
   
   
       24 . A method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc, comprising the steps of: 
 creating an access opening in a disc between the adjacent vertebrae;    removing at least a portion of an annulus within said disc which results in forming a cavity surrounding the nucleus of said disc;    advancing into said cavity an expandable mesh and a control element at least partially encircling said annular cavity;    expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of the outside surface of said annulus cavity creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an autologous configuration and an inner chamber; and    delivery and injecting said chamber with a biocompatible material resulting in a filled expandable mesh.    
   
   
       25 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 24 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       26 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 24 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       27 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 24 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       28 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 24 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       29 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 24 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O).  
   
   
       30 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 29 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HPO 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 .3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 :SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       31 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 29 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       32 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 24 , after the step of expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of a inside surface of said annulus creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an autologous configuration; said expandable mesh having an inner chamber and an inner central hole; further comprising: 
 contracting said control element whereby said inner central hole attains a desired diameter.    
   
   
       33 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 24 , after the step of delivering and injecting said second biocompatible material; further comprising: 
 securing said control said control element with a locking mechanism to maintain the integrity of said filled expandable mesh within said diseased vertebral disc.    
   
   
       34 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 24 , whereby said filled expandable mesh results in a concavo-concave configuration.  
   
   
       35 . A method of treating a diseased vertebrae disc, comprising the steps of: 
 creating an access opening in a disc between the adjacent vertebrae;    removing the annulus and the nucleus within said disc which results in forming a cavity surround by an inner surface of said disc;    advancing into said cavity an expandable mesh and a control element;    expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of the outer surface of said annulus thereby creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an autologous configuration; said expandable mesh having an inner chamber and an inner central hole;    delivering and injecting said inner chamber with a first biocompatible material resulting in a substantially filled expandable mesh; and    delivering and injecting said inner central hole with a second biocompatible material, resulting in a substantially filled central hole.    
   
   
       36 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       37 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       38 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       39 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       40 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O).  
   
   
       41 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 40 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HP 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 40 .3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 :SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       42 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 40 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       43 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       44 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       45 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       46 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       47 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4  (PO 4 )  20 ).  
   
   
       48 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 47 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HPO 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 .3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 :SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       49 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 47 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       50 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to promote spinal fixation between two adjacent vertebral bodies.  
   
   
       51 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said spinal disc device is deformable to conform to an interior region of a vertebral disc.  
   
   
       52 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to inject a volume of biocompatible material into said inner central area of said expandable mesh until a desired disc height is achieved.  
   
   
       53 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to inject a volume of biocompatible material into said inner central area of said expandable mesh until a desired disc pressure is achieved.  
   
   
       54 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , after the step of expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of a inside surface of said annulus creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an autologous configuration; said expandable mesh having an inner chamber and an inner central hole; further comprising: 
 contracting said control element whereby said inner central hole attains a desired diameter.    
   
   
       55 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , after delivering and injecting said second biocompatible material; further comprising: 
 securing said control said control element with a locking mechanism to maintain the integrity of said substantially filled central hole within said diseased vertebral disc.    
   
   
       56 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 35 , whereby said substantially filled central hole results in a circular concavo-concave configuration.  
   
   
       57 . A method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc, comprising the steps of: 
 creating an access opening in a disc between the adjacent vertebrae;    removing the nucleus within said disc which results in forming a cavity surround by an annulus of said disc;    advancing into said cavity an expandable mesh and a control element;    expanding said expandable mesh using said control element wherein said expandable mesh has an adjustable configuration; said expandable mesh having an adjustable inner chamber and an adjustable inner central hole;    using the control element to adjust the expandable mesh to expand within the limits of the outside was of the annulus and to create an adjustable diameter inner central hole, creating a deployed expandable mesh;    delivering and injecting said adjustable chamber with a first biocompatible material resulting in a first filled expandable mesh; and    delivering and injecting said adjustable inner central hole with a second biocompatible material, resulting in a substantially filled central hole.    
   
   
       58 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       59 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       60 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       61 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       62 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O).  
   
   
       63 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 62 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HPO 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 .3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 :SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       64 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 62 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       65 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       66 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       67 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       68 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       69 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O).  
   
   
       70 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 69 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HPO 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 .3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 :SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       71 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 69 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       72 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to promote spinal fixation between two adjacent vertebral bodies.  
   
   
       73 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said spinal disc device is deformable to conform to an interior region of a vertebral disc.  
   
   
       74 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to inject a volume of biocompatible material into said inner central area of said expandable mesh until a desired disc height is achieved.  
   
   
       75 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to inject a volume of biocompatible material into said inner central area of said expandable mesh until a desired disc pressure is achieved.  
   
   
       76 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , after expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of a inside surface of said annulus creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an adjustable configuration; said expandable mesh having an inner chamber and an inner central hole; further comprising: 
 contracting said control element whereby said inner central hole attains a desired diameter.    
   
   
       77 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , after delivering and injecting said second biocompatible material; further comprising: 
 securing said control said control element with a locking nut to maintain the integrity of said substantially filled central hole within said diseased vertebral disc.    
   
   
       78 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 57 , whereby said substantially filled central hole results in a circular concavo-concave configuration.  
   
   
       79 . A method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc, comprising the steps of: 
 creating an access opening in a disc between the adjacent vertebrae;    removing the annulus within said disc which results in forming a cavity surrounding the nucleus of said disc;    advancing into said cavity an expandable mesh and a control element;    expanding said expandable mesh using said control element creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an adjustable configuration;    using the control element to adjust the expandable mesh to expand within the limits of the outside wall of the annulus; and    delivering and injecting said adjustable chamber with a biocompatible material, resulting in a filled expandable mesh.    
   
   
       80 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 79 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       81 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 79 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       82 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 79 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       83 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 79 , wherein said biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       84 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 79 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O).  
   
   
       85 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 84 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HPO 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 .3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 : SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       86 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 84 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       87 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 79 , after the step of expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of a inside surface of said annulus creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an adjustable configuration; said expandable mesh having an inner chamber and an inner central hole; further comprising: 
 contracting said control element whereby said inner central hole attains a desired diameter.    
   
   
       88 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 79 , after the step of delivering and injecting said second biocompatible material; further comprising: 
 securing said control said control element with a locking nut to maintain the integrity of said filled expandable mesh within said diseased vertebral disc.    
   
   
       89 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 79 , whereby said filled expandable mesh results in a circular concavo-concave configuration.  
   
   
       90 . A method for repairing diseased vertebrae, comprising the steps of: 
 creating an access opening in a disc between the adjacent vertebrae;    removing the annulus and the nucleus within said disc which results in forming a cavity surround by an inner surface of said disc;    advancing into said cavity an expandable mesh and a control element;    expanding said expandable mesh using said control element wherein said expandable mesh has an adjustable configuration; said expandable mesh having an adjustable inner chamber and an adjustable inner central hole;    delivering and injecting said adjustable chamber with a first biocompatible material, resulting in a first filled expandable mesh; and    delivering and injecting said adjustable inner central hole with a second biocompatible material, resulting in a substantially filled central hole.    
   
   
       91 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       92 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       93 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       94 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said first biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers,_polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       95 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, hydrogels, homopolymer hydrogels, copolymer hydrogels, multi-polymer hydrogels, or interpenetrating hydrogels, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylimide, acrylimidine, including but not limited to PVA, PVP, PHEMA, PNVP, polyacrylainides, poly(ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyarylonitrile, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, silicone, polyurethanes, polycarbonate-polyurethane (e.g., Corethane) other biocompatibile polymers, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       96 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material that is allowed to expand through the adsorption of liquids such as water selected from the group consisting of polyacrliamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol or other biocompatible hydrogels, solid fibrous collagen or other suitable hydrophilic biocompatible material or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       97 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factor alpha or its antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes or gene vectors in solution; biologic materials (hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat or oils); synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils), saline or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       98 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of bone graft materials such as any described “bone cements” or any polymeric bone graft compounds, bone graft materials, bone chips, nylon fibers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, collagen fibers, ceramic fibers, polyethylene fibers,_polypropylene fibers, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyglycolides, polylactides, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       99 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said second biocompatible material is formed from calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes such as monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (CA 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O).  
   
   
       100 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 99 , further comprising minor amounts of additional substances, such as Na 3 PO 4 ; Na 2 HPO 4 ; NaH 2 PO 4 ; Na 4 HPO 4 .7H 2 O; Na 3 PO 4 .12H 2 O; H 3 PO 4 ; CaSO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 ; (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ; (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 .3H 2 O; NaHCO 3 ; CaCO3; Na 2 CO 3 ; KH 2 PO 4 ; K 2 HPO 4 ; K 3 PO 4 ; CaF 2 :SrF 2 ; Na 2 SiF 6 ; Na 2 PO 3 F, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       101 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 99 , further comprising an amount of one or more active agents suitable to promote bone growth, such as a growth factor, BMP, a bone morphology protein, or a pharmaceutical carrier, and combination thereof.  
   
   
       102 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to promote spinal fixation between two adjacent vertebral bodies.  
   
   
       103 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said spinal disc device is deformable to conform to an interior region of a vertebral disc.  
   
   
       104 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to inject a volume of biocompatible material into said inner central area of said expandable mesh until a desired disc height is achieved.  
   
   
       105 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , wherein said spinal disc device is adapted to inject a volume of biocompatible material into said inner central area of said expandable mesh until a desired disc pressure is achieved.  
   
   
       106 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , after the step of expanding said expandable mesh using said control element within the limits of a inside surface of said annulus creating a deployed expandable mesh wherein said expandable mesh has an adjustable configuration; said expandable mesh having an inner chamber and an inner central hole; further comprising: 
 contracting said control element whereby said inner central hole attains a desired diameter.    
   
   
       107 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , after the step of delivering and injecting said second biocompatible material further comprising: 
 securing said control said control element with a locking mechanism to maintain the integrity of said substantially filled central hole within said diseased vertebral disc.    
   
   
       108 . The method of treating a diseased inter-vertebral disc as recited in  claim 90 , whereby said substantially filled central hole results in a circular concavo-concave configuration.